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FEMIBION has developed supplements for the special phases of pregnancy, from before conceiving to the end of breastfeeding.
FEMIBION food supplements provide well chosen nutrients that, used as a complement to a balanced and varied diet, can support the mom and the baby during this special and exciting time.

Publication of MerckKGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. In the USA and Canada the subsidiaries of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in Healthcare, MilliporeSigma in Life Science and EMD Performance Materials.

In the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico we operate as EMD. Please confirm that you are not located in these countries and you intend to visit our sites outside these countries by checking the box to the left and clicking Continue.

FEMIBION has developed supplements for the special phases of pregnancy, from before conceiving to the end of breastfeeding. FEMIBION food supplements provide well chosen nutrients that, used as a complement to a balanced and varied diet, can support the mom and the baby during this special and exciting time.

Publication of MerckKGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. In the USA and Canada the subsidiaries of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in Healthcare, MilliporeSigma in Life Science and EMD Performance Materials.

In the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico we operate as EMD. Please confirm that you are not located in these countries and you intend to visit our sites outside these countries by checking the box to the left and clicking Continue.

Popular Questions

Popular Questions

Find some of the most often asked questions and answers here.

Questions & Answers

What can I do to prepare my body for pregnancy?

Research shows that a mother’s physical and mental health, lifestyle, and nutrition all can have a profound impact on the development of her baby.That’s why making sure you’re in good health, following a healthy lifestyle and eating a balanced, nutritious diet is the most important thing you can do prior to conception. Here are a few ways to prepare your body:

If you have concerns about hereditary conditions in your family, speak to your GP about genetic counselling

In addition, starting to take a folic acid/folate supplement - such as Femibion 1*-as complement to a varied diet, is important as you prepare your body for pregnancy by increasing your level of folate. Taking a folic acid supplement before you become pregnant can help you right from the start, to reach the folate level you need.

Note that if you have a special medical condition, for example are taking medication for epilepsy, you should consult your doctor, as it might be necessary to increase the folic acid daily dose.

* Taking a folic acid supplement increases maternal folate level. A low level of folate in the pregnant mother is one of the risk factors in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Therefore it is recommended that women should take a 400µg supplement of folic acid daily over a period of at least one month before and up to three months after conception. Low maternal folate status as an important risk factor for neural tube defects has been scientifically proven. Other factors, such as hereditary factors, can also increase the risk of neural tube defect

When are my most fertile days?

There are a number of ways to work out when you’re releasing an egg each month. One in five women actually experience a slight pain around ovulation, so if you’re one of these, take note of the date each month and aim to have sex a couple of days before this.

Conception is technically possible around two days before ovulation and up to one day afterwards. Since the exact time of ovulation is not usually known, the 10th to 17th days of a woman’s menstrual cycle (for a normal 28-day cycle) are considered “fertile”. Make sure you regularly have unprotected sex during this time, as it will be more likely that fertilization will occur. If you and your partner are healthy and fertile, there is a 15-25% likelihood you will conceive. To find out more, why not check our infographic to help you find your most fertile days and use our fertility calendar to help you keep track?

Why does nutrition play an important role when planning a pregnancy?

First of all, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle is the basis for conceiving. You should also take particular care during this period to ensure that you get an adequate intake of nutrients in general.

Research shows that women of childbearing age do not always achieve the recommended daily intake for some nutrients, like folate or iron. You can find out more on what types of food you should eat in our article “How can I get the right nutrients to prepare for my pregnancy” here.

When should I start taking a folic acid/folate supplement?

Taking particular care to have an adequate intake of folic acid/folate is important even before you get pregnant. Green leafy vegetables, yeast and whole meal products are the main sources of folate, however even though some foods contain folate, it is recommended to start taking a supplement of folic acid/folate* (400µg per day) at least a month prior to conception, as complement to a varied and a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

* Taking a folic acid supplement increases maternal folate level. A low level of folate in the pregnant mother is one of the risk factors in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Therefore it is recommended that women should take a 400µg supplement of folic acid daily over a period of at least one month before and up to three months after conception. Low maternal folate status as an important risk factor for neural tube defects has been scientifically proven. Other factors, such as hereditary factors, can also increase the risk of neural tube defect

Why is the first trimester of pregnancy so sensitive?

All of your baby’s organs are created in the first 12 weeks. After this time, the baby is fully formed but needs to mature. For this reason, the risk of damage to your child is particularly high between 14 and 55 days after conception. Once the fertilised egg cell has implanted itself in your uterus, the baby’s system becomes linked to your body via the placenta. While the placenta is designed to prevent harmful substances from reaching the baby, certain substances such as drugs, nicotine, medication, and alcohol can still cross that barrier, and interrupt normal organ development. Unfortunately this can lead to physical abnormalities and miscarriage. For this reason it’s all the more important to avoid harmful substances during the whole pregnancy and until the end of lactation.

I’m ridiculously tearful at the moment. Is that normal?

Yes! Entirely. Mood swings are a perfectly normal during pregnancy thanks to all those extra hormones whizzing around your body.One minute you can feel ecstatic at the thought of holding your newborn, the next you’re weeping because you can’t find your car keys!

The people around you might be a little confused, but explain that you’re feeling a little sensitive right now and they’ll understand. Lack of sleep can also affect mood, so make sure you’re getting at least eight hours a night, with extra naps if possible.

Will the ultrasound show whether my baby is a boy or a girl?

If you would like to know the sex of your baby, this will be possible from an ultrasound in the second trimester. That said, a scan is not always conclusive. It can be tricky to deduce gender if the baby is facing away from the screen or moving around too much.

Can supplemental folic acid be taken for longer than 3 months?

Of course you can take supplemental folic acid for longer than 3 months, as folic acid contributes to different body functions which are relevant for pregnancy beyond the 1st trimester. We know that an adequate level of folate or adequate intake of folic acid in the first trimester of pregnancy plays a role in the baby´s neural tube development.*After week 12, all your baby’s organs will be fully formed, however your nutritional need for folate remains increased throughout your entire pregnancy and whilst you are still breastfeeding. Continuing to take a supplement as a complement to a varied and balanced diet, can be helpful during this period of time. Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth, including placental growth and to normal blood formation and cell division.

* Taking a folic acid supplement increases maternal folate level. A low level of folate in the pregnant mother is one of the risk factors in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. Therefore it is recommended that women should take a 400µg supplement of folic acid daily over a period of at least one month before and up to three months after conception. Low maternal folate status as an important risk factor for neural tube defects has been scientifically proven. Other factors, such as hereditary factors, can also increase the risk of neural tube defect

You are not the only one with this concern, but you should try to restrain yourself from eating too much. Unfortunately, far from satisfying your appetite, sugary foods cause your blood sugar levels to rise too quickly, leading to the release of more insulin, and an energy crash soon after.

The key is to keep your blood sugar levels as stable as possible by avoiding refined carbohydrates (stodgy, sugary foods), and taking wholemeal bread, brown rice and pasta as they contain complex carbohydrates. They are therefore good options to consider.

If you absolutely can’t do without a sweet treat, better to make it for example – a strawberry smoothie (made with milk, banana, avocado and strawberries), for example, a handful of dried fruit, or a bowl of Greek yoghurt with a drizzle of honey. Eating little and often can also help to keep blood sugar levels stable, which you may find keeps morning sickness at bay, too.

I don’t eat dairy – how can I make sure I get enough calcium?

Dairy products like milk and yoghurt provide a ready supply of calcium (as well as protein and vitamin B12), but they’re not the only source - a number of vegetables contain good amounts of the mineral; kale, fennel and spinach for example. Nuts (e.g. hazelnuts, pistachios) and seeds (such as poppy seed or sesame) are also good sources of calcium, while calcium-enriched mineral water can also help you meet your daily requirement.

Can a vegetarian diet be harmful during pregnancy?

A diet that contains no meat, but does include animal proteins such as eggs, dairy products (and fish if you’re pescatarian) is absolutely fine. It could be helpful to take a vitamin and mineral supplement however, to support dietary intakes of key minerals including iron, iodine, zinc and calcium which you could be short of if on a vegetarian diet. A vegan diet (no animal products at all) is not advisable during pregnancy, as this can make it hard for the body to obtain enough vitamin B12, which only occurs in animal-based foods. Vitamin D, iron and calcium can also be problematic for vegans, as it is harder to reach adequate nutrient intakes.

Why is dental care so important during pregnancy?

Bleeding gums are more common during pregnancy thanks to pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow to the gums. Unfortunately, this raises your risk of developing gum disease (gingivitis). As well as affecting your teeth, there’s growing evidence that gum disease is associated with increased risk of miscarriage. All of which means that looking after your teeth and gums is even more crucial during pregnancy.

As well as avoiding sugary foods, it’s important to brush your teeth after every meal (at least three times a day and for two minutes at a time). If it’s not possible to brush your teeth straight after a meal, chewing a sugar-free gum can be an alternative.

Sugar-free gum contributes to the neutralization of plaque acids. The beneficial effect is obtained after chewing for at least 20 minutes, directly after a meal or after drinking. It is always important to follow a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

If you suffer from morning sickness and do vomit, wait half an hour before brushing your teeth, and start by thoroughly rinsing your mouth with just water. If brushing your teeth is out of the question right now, a mouthwash may be the best option until the nausea subsides.

I was really stressed at work today. Will this have harmed my baby?

High stress levels aren’t good at any time, but this is especially the case when you’re pregnant. That said, stress is very difficult to measure, so it’s impossible to say when it could affect your baby. It’s also impossible to avoid pressure completely in the next nine months – in fact, trying to will probably just stress you out even more! See today as a sign that you might need to scale back your workload and speak to your boss if necessary. In the meantime, your baby can no doubt deal with one bad day, so try to relax.

Is it OK to exercise now I’m pregnant?

Just because you’re pregnant, it doesn’t mean to say you have to stop exercising. In fact, as long as you’re healthy and there are no medical complications, staying active throughout your pregnancy can be extremely beneficial. You should also consult your doctor in regards to this. Find out more in our article “Can I still do sport now that I’m pregnant” here

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Does being a mum mean my style will change?

While there’s no reason you have to totally kiss goodbye to your pre-pregnancy style, it’s likely that leggings and many of the other stretchy clothes you wore when pregnant will still be your best friends for a while. Unless you’re an A-list celebrity, it could take the best part of a year for you to lose most of your baby weight, so don’t expect to be back in high heels and skinny jeans immediately.

How can I deal with the guilt I feel every morning when I drop off my child?

Many mums feel guilty about leaving their baby with someone else, as a click through any online parenting forum will reveal. The bond you have with your child is different from any other type of relationship – your baby was physically a part of you for nine months, so it’s understandable if you’re anxious about entrusting them to the care of someone else, or simply about being separated from them for long.